P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen grabbed pole position during a crazy qualifying session in Baku, leading to high praise from Helmut Marko once again.
Red Bull Motorsport advisor Helmut Marko disclosed that Max Verstappen’s decision to switch to soft tyres for his pole position lap at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying was crucial, as the session had everyone “mentally on the edge.” The chaotic qualifying at the Baku City Circuit, marked by strong winds, light rain, and multiple red flags, left most drivers in Q3 without a lap time until the final minutes. Despite the challenging conditions, the four-time world champion made the right call to use soft tyres, showcasing his exceptional driving skills and decision-making abilities. Marko praised Verstappen’s mental fortitude and performance during the unpredictable session that lasted 118 minutes, highlighting the importance of his pole position. While Red Bull’s race tyre strategy is now uncertain due to unexpected tyre usage, Marko remains confident that Verstappen can secure another victory after starting from P1 and emphasizes the team’s strong position with four cars in the top ten.
